We’ve received questions from home movers who want to know how their plans will be affected by the current coronavirus situation.
Important: Things are moving quickly these days, sometimes on a daily basis, so please contact Callum Garry, our founding director for more information on 07952583304.
Should I take my house off the market?
We can see from rightmove, some things in life remain constant. One of those is the need for a home and the need to find a home. Given everything, rightmove are still seeing millions of searches and thousands of enquiries coming through.
There are a lot of people with a huge interest in what is happening in the market right now. People are still doing their homework and contacting agents so that when this lockdown is lifted, they are ready to go. There is no need for you to come off the market right now, we are being proactive and creative.
Are agents still fighting to make things go through for people?
We are reassuring all our sellers that when this situation does ease, there will be a market there. Give me a call, we have a vast knowledge of the area and may even know your property very well. We have lots of ideas for things you can do to your property while you’re staying at home and getting it ready to sell.
Should I put my home on the market?
The main hurdle in the market now is that we can’t have anyone come to visit our homes. Although, everything is done remotely now, and we are very good at assisting with that: we can do online viewings and even take offers (subject to them seeing in after lockdown).
We can do a valuation remotely, to enable that you have got the best advice possible. Then you can get your house market ready in the meantime ready for photos as soon as the lockdown is removed.
How are ChangeHomes showing potential buyers around remotely?
We provide video tours, which you can download, this will give you a better feeling of the property rather than just the photos. There is a lot of technology being employed to enable you to see everything about a property. On rightmove now, we have added a feature which allows buyers to have a online viewing.
We are due to exchange in three weeks? What problems might we face?
Make sure you are talking to your lawyer and your agent on a very regular basis. Make sure all parties are communicating so you all understand the pressures and can continue the process, bearing in mind you should delay the exchange unless the property you are buying is unoccupied. Don’t panic, don’t withdraw, sales take a long time to go through in any event.
I am buying a new-build. What can I do?
If it’s an unoccupied property, you should be able to proceed as normal, so long as you are keeping to all the appropriate safety measures. You should also be able to sign documents remotely online, which means you don’t have to travel to the site.
But it’s important to follow the government guidelines. House builders will do everything to get you in, they will get you in in a safe and proper way if it’s possible to do so.
How does the current situation affect my mortgage offer?
The government’s instruction to lenders is to be as flexible as possible with regard to mortgage offers. Their lifespan is usually three to six months. The lenders need to be as accommodating as possible.
Speak to our mortgage broker Sam, who will be able to give you more advice on the current mortgage market. If you want more specific advice, please call him on 07710 592011, he has access to all of the lenders, and can access a welth of information on them.
Can people still accept an offer?
Absolutely, providing we have checked out a buyer’s ability to offer.
But the number one priority is that you remain safe and healthy and stay in line with the government and NHS guidelines. Stay home, wash your hands, and do all those things you need to do to keep you and your loved ones safe.